Tonight: Maracatu

Just a heads up: tonight we'll play some maracatu. We have been playing some maracatu-ish stuff over the past few years, but to be honest this was mostly an interpretation based on very little experience.

Recently, Paul Dennis (Paul 2 ;-) joined us, and he has played in a Maracatu group in Berlin. Paul would love to share his experience, so we'll give it a go. Of course, with no real Maracatu instruments, it's still going to be an interpretation, but I'm sure we can learn a lot!

Thanks Paul!

Google street view

Google Street view is now available for Brazil!

Well done everyone

Guys, you all sounded amazing yesterday, well done! I had such a buzz afterwards I found it hard to sleep tonight! Great stuff.

Thank you Warren for playing first surdo at the last moment!

And congratulations to Paul for his first gig with us!

See you Thursday! I will also tell you on Thursday about some 'telepathy' that happened later that night between Jason Bell and myself...!

Songs for Sunday

Well done everyone yesterday, a very good and focussed rehearsal!

Here are the songs we recorded. Please listen to them, especially if you weren't there yesterday, I trust you'll all nail these songs on Sunday. Thanks Brian for helping out recording these.

Primavera Samba
Emilio

Dress code: White pants, Mangueira shirt, or white shirt if you don't have one. I'll bring some spare shirts.
Performance: 8.30pm for 10 minutes
Be there: 7.45pm
Where: Brazil Central Zouk Lambada congress,
Old Museum Building 
Cnr Bowenbridge Rd and Gregory Tce, 
Herston QLD 4059

Hi Remko, I wont be able to play. Got the flu.

Important - jump down past the Valentino post

My post about the Valentino exhibition probably moved Remko's post about next Sunday's gig.

So it's IMPORTANT to scroll down below the Valentino post as Remko wants to hear ASAP who's playing at the gig on Sunday.

Cheers.

A date with Mr Valentino

This is not an official Brisamba outing, but I'm using the blog to invite anyone who wants to come along. Also, if you have any friends who are not samba people but would like to come, I'm happy for you to pass on an invitation.

The event: Visit the "Valentino" exhibition at Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane

The date: Saturday 9th October

The time: Meet outside GOMA at 11 am on the Saturday, see the exhibition, then have a late lunch at the riverside cafe at GOMA.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a free event. There is an admission charge of $20 - or $16 if you have a concession.

Some further details (to paraphrase from the GOMA website):


"This exhibition explores the work of the celebrated Italian fashion house Valentino, known around the world for its sophisticated, timeless design and glamorous clientele.
The exhibition encompasses haute couture from the first collection designed in 1959 by the house’s founder, Valentino Garavani, through to work from the Autumn/Winter 2009–10 creations by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli – appointed as creative directors for Valentino in 2008. Exquisite haute couture garments will reveal Valentino’s mastery of the elegant line, classic form and opulent detail. Particular themes will be explored uniting Valentino’s design approach over five decades."


I hope you can join me.

Patty

Sunday gig and Thursday's rehearsal

I hope everyone enjoyed their curry on Saturday night - I certainly did. I was impressed with everyone who dared to take on the 'Indian hot'!

We now should focus on next Sunday's (3 October) gig, at the old museum. This will be the first gig in a while that's not at Suncorp, and it will be the first one where we perform a song. We will rehearse really hard for this on Thurday.

Could everyone who can play on Sunday please let me know asap? I need to know numbers for access and also I want to consider who plays what instrument, in time for Thursday's rehearsal.

Also, can everyone please listen to the song "Emilio" a few times during the next few days?

Confirmed:
Remko
Patty
Siobhann
Leesa
Jason
Warren
Gail
Denis
Erin (TBC)

Not available: Maria, Angus, Mike, Brian, Paul 1

Im Back

Success! Remembered my password for blog

Details for Saturday

Here are the details for Saturday's game against Melbourne Heart:

• Please be there 4.20pm.
• Parking provided, make sure you mention you're from the Brisbane Samba School going to the Success factors carpark
• We'll play outside  4.50pm - 5.10pm
• The game starts 5.20pm
• We'll head over for a curry at Taj Bengal afterwards. Address: 3/338 Waterworks Rd (next to Baskin- Robbins). I'll make a reservation for 7.45pm. Yummie!

Players
Remko - Repinique
Josh - Repinique
Denis - Snare
Jason (to be confirmed) - Snare
Maria - tamborim
Patty - Ganza
Warren - 3rd surdo
Siobhannnnnnn - 1st surdo
Leesa - Ganza
Gail - 2nd Surdo

Curry confirmations
Remko + Ruben
Brian
Claire
Denis
Patty
Siobhannnnnn

Leesa

Gail
Warren

Darren + 2

Guest Tickets

Remko - 2

Gail - 3
Warren - 2
Leesa - ?

Anyone else?

Gig registration

IMPORTANT

For the two next gigs I need to know urgently who is playing and who wants to attend the curry night after the next home game.

• Saturday, 25-Sep, Roar vs Melbourne Heart. This game starts early at 5.15pm and will be finished around 7pm. Afterwards, those that are hungry will go to the Taj Bengal in Ashgrove for a great curry. Please let me know asap if you want to play, if you're coming to the curry night and also if you want to bring any friends (and how many), so I can make a reservation. Please let me know by Wednesday!
• Sunday 3-Oct, we have been invited for a short & sharp performance for the Zouk/Lambada congress, in the old museum in Bowen Hills. We will play the "Primavera samba" as well as "Emilio". I'd like to know who will play that night, so we can do a couple of very focussed rehearsals to make sure we "nail it" on the night.

Thanks for your help!

Remko

Upcoming gigs for your diaries

I thought it would be good to quickly summarise a few gigs we'll have in the next few weeks:

• This Saturday, 18-Sep, Roar vs Adelaide (see blog post below for details).
• Next Saturday, 25-Sep, Roar vs Melbourne Heart. This game starts early at 5.15pm, the idea is to all go to Ashgrove for a fantastic curry afterwards. More about that later.
• Sunday 3-Oct, we have been invited for a short & sharp performance for the Zouk/Lambada congress, in the old museum in Bowen Hills. Now, this is most likely to be the very first gig where we will perform a song live, a major milestone. I hope you all can make this one. We'd need to be there 6.45pm, and we play 7.30pm.

Roar game this Saturday!

After a break of a few weeks, it's time for another Roar game this Saturday, against Adelaide as it turns out. The Roar lost their first game this season last week (agains Melbourne Victory) so I'm sure they want to make sure they stay on top of things.

The game starts 7.30pm, we also play outside (a warm up) 7.10pm - 7.25pm. Parking provided. I've got some guest tickets as well if you would like to invite someone.

Please let me know if you'd like to play - I hope you do!

Confirmed players:

• Remko (repinique)
• Elwin (3rd surdo)
• Warren (3rd surdo) / Tamborim when it gets too heavy for him
• Angus (3rd surdo)
• Peter (2nd surdo)
• Siobbbbbhhhhaaaaaaannnnn (1st surdo)
• Denis (caixa)
• Leesa (Shaker)
• Gail (Shaker)

Please be there 6.40pm. For those driving in, parking at 'Success factors' (used to be Inform). You need to tell the security guards you're from the Brisbane Samba School and going there.

Note 17/9: I still have 5 additional tickets for anyone who wants to bring friends! Let me know...

Friday Roar game & Thursday's rehearsal

Ha - after a win last Saturday it's on again against Wellington this Friday, 8pm! We'd need to be there 7.00pm.
Please let me know if you'd like to play!

Also, please note Roar will be doing a video shoot this Thursday at our rehearsal. I hope you can all make it, and it would be great if you could all come maybe a little bit earlier (so before 7.30, ideally before 7pm for some pagode) so we have everyone there without interruptions.

Could everyone wear a Roar shirt Thursday night please? If you have a spare one please bring as well for those that don't have one.

PS: this Thursday's class is free to all!

Details for Friday:

• Jeans + Roar shirt
• Game starts 8pm, but we have been asked to play 7.30pm - 7.50pm outside as well
• Please be there 7pm
• Gather at Inform car park

Remko - Repinique

Josh - Repinique

Darren - 1st Surdo (or 3rd - up to you)

Siobhann - 1st Surdo

Warren - 3rd Surdo

Elwin - 3rd Surdo

Melanie - 2nd Surdo

Leesa - Shaker

Paul - Caixa

Denis - Caixa

Cheers

Remko

Novos Baianos

I have been listening to this pearl of a group for about two years now, and I thought I would share...the ideal combination between late 60's rock and traditional samba...These ones are pure samba, but check out the other videos! (and other artists on the channel "Arquivo", shows from Brazilian 70's)

Pedro Camacho, the new Brisambista

Hello guys, my son Pedro was born yesterday.

I am sorry I haven't been in touch, life has been crazy since we left Australia (new job, new apartment, new life etc).

I miss you all and I hope to see you soon, I would love to play samba with you again at suncorp stadium. My contact details are:

[contact details removed by Remko because of risks of identity theft. Please contact Remko if you want Fernando's email or mobile]

Cheers

Fernando

Roar game tomorrow

Hi all, here are the details for tomorrow:

• Please gather at Inform carpark opposite vehicle entrance on Castlemaine Rd at 7pm
• Jeans, Roar shirt if you have one. We're supposed to get new ones but don't count on it!

Remko (repinique)

Darren (1st surdo)

Gail (2nd surdo)

Warren (3rd surdo)

Angus (3rd surdo)

Denis (caixa)

Paul (caixa)

Miki (ganza)

Patty (ganza/agogo)

Lynne (ganza)

See you there!

Wow!!!!!!

What happened tonight???? Suddenly, the moment was there: perfect harmony, steady beat, nice and fast, but not too loud. I really really enjoyed that! Very good playing everyone, congratulations!

Tonight's special instructions

Darren should be back tonight, so from 6.40pm tonight: surdo for beginners!

Roar Season

Hi all, as discussed before, this year we more than likely will play all Roar home games at SunCorp Stadium! We are still finalising some of the details, and I will share this with you when finalised, but in the meantime: the first game is this Saturday 21 August, kick off 7.30pm. It's against Sydney, so a big game.

For those of you that are worried about the response of some individuals in the crowd, this year the Roar clearly advertised which section has been designated for drums, and 12 rows have been blocked off just for us and for people working together with us. So there should be a much more positive vibe.

Could you please let me know asap if you are interested in playing this Saturday?

Thanks
Remko

PS: also - vuvuzelas have been banned, for those of you that were concerned...

Rosa Passos grooving

Great studio session to get the Brazilian groove ;)

Tonight

Tonight's rehearsal:

• 6.40pm - 7.00pm: on special request from Angus: "surdo for dummies". Focus will be on how the surdos 'sit' in the rhythm with the cavaquinho
• 7.00pm - 7.30pm: pagode
• 7:30pm - 9:30pm: bateria rehearsal. NOTE: the Roar will come with some flag bearers to rehearse some aspects of what we try to achieve in the Stadium this year. I'll just incorporate this into our normal practice.

More on the Roar games very soon by the way.

See you there!

How to make a Bombproof Cuica for Denis.

"Punch a little hole in the top of the tin can. Put some rubber cement, or hot glue, on the tip of a bamboo skewer. Insert from the inside of the can and then add a dab of the cement on the piece of stick extending through the top of the can. When it hardens, you can clip off the sharp point sticking out of the can top. Wet your sponge, grasp the stick and move it up and down. Make the higher note by pressing down on the can cover." From Stan-the-Cuica-Man .

West End Live

Remko, are we playing at West End Live? samba in the street? I know you don't like hippies, but eh.

Tomorrow's class

Just a short note that tomorrow I won't be able to do the 6.40pm-7pm 'special interest' session.

The rest of the class will be as normal, with pagode starting 7pm-ish and the main course at 7.30pm

See you there!

GIG Sunday

This Sunday is the Music Extravaganza at my daughters kindy.

The kids love it loud and fast, so samba should be perfect. The festivities start at 10am and we play at noon. C&K at 34 Corbett Street, West End. Back to my place after for something to eat.

Confirmed sambistas:

• Angus
• Paul
• Patty (if she feels better)
• Claire
• Remko
• Denis
• Gail (maybe)
• Miki
• Elwin

Room for  more!

Please be there 11.40am. Dress any way you want.

Sorry Brian!

I have to take this opportunity to apologise to Brian. As you can see, a few posts below this one I congratulated Brian on his dancing skills a couple of classes back.

Unfortunately Brian got encouraged by this and tried to further practice his dancing moves when no one was looking, breaking his ankle in the process. Ouch!

So it looks like we won't see Brian for a few weeks (in either his drumming or dancing capacity).

Sorry Brian, hopefully you'll recover soon!

How to play different instruments for pagode

Short interesting demonstration (in Portuguese) of pandeiro, tantan, repinique, played "softly".

Juliana says Hello !

Juliana and Ylias in their vegie garden.

As some of you remember Juliana, our ex- Brazilian sambista, is currently in Mexico living in a commune setting of six people. And do great things with the local community.

She just want to say hi to all of us in the samba school.

. . . and she lives in a beautiful house. I'm jealous !

No class this Thursday 27 July

As announced last Thursday, there won't be a class this Thursday 27 July.

Reason for this is that a very small number of us are participating in the opening of the Roar season in SunCorp stadium. It's only going to be a few minutes with a handful of drummers, but I thought it was important to support them at the start of the season.

I'm currently discussing the footbal season with the Roar. More on this later, but for those that worry about audience reactions: they have actually blocked off a section in the stadium, and advertised this section in their member guide, so there can be no confusion and people know what to expect when they sit close to us. As I said, more about this later.

One song, two videos

First there was a great song by Chico Buarque, used for a Shweppes add, showing a quite caricatural view of Brazilian culture:



Then came the French parody for "Shoups" ("100 % sugar", "stay natural")...more realistic? I hope not.

We want more!

Brian, we want to see more of your dancing! Well done!

Numerics & Atmospheres

Hi folks a quick plug for Dad's exhibition opening this fri night.

If you have nothing planned come down to see some of his recent works (some abstract, some more literal).

(Dad - John - has always been an enthusiastic samba student...but had to stop due to some heart problems that troubled him a couple of years ago.)




NUMERICS AND ATMOSPHERES - THE LURE OF SPLENDOUR
OPENING: FRIDAY 23rd JULY 6pm by DEB MOSTERT

recent paintings and explorations from John Bell

Numerics - a visual response to the endless, intriguing order and significance of pattern in creation

Atmospheres: fugitive moments every dawn and dusk, unnoticed by many; energy on a vast scale that reminds us of the sublime.

CIRCLE GALLERY, WEST END
274 Montague Rd. West End
(Above ART SHED)
OPENING: FRIDAY 23rd JULY, 6pm
All Welcome

Bike Helmet Rear-view Mirror and Samba Rehearsal

Remko, Could I suggest we have people dance to the side of the bateria please? I find it's difficult to play for the dancers when they dance behind us.

I'm thinking about wearing my bike helmet with a rear-view mirror to the next rehearsal :-) ......... Furthermore, I have an unfounded fear that Angus or Cedric would let go flying a surdo beater and it'd bounced off my head !

From the master

Gilberto Gil at his best samba composer / singer:



He's a great guitarist too...(check the pandeiro, surdo and triangle breaks at the end)



And at his most..."innovative"

Tonight: first masterclass Surdo!

Tonight, from 6.40pm - 7.00pm: the first masterclass on playing advanced surdo. Highly recommended!

NEDERLANDS OOOOH NEDERLANDS

another amazing match from Oranje! one more game to go...

Hup Holland Hup.

Nederlands oooo Nederlands

NEDERLANDS OOOOH NEDERLANDS.

What a game! One of the best games of football I've witnessed yet.
Nederlands definitely more hungry, and that's what got them through.

(making up for what happenened in France 98 - when Kluivert just missed a golden goal that would have taken us past the Brazilians - but then we lost in Penalties)

Holland vs Germany Final I think!

Monobloco

Look like Monobloco have lost their bet for the World Cup ?

Futebol Frid midnight Pig 'n whistle

Go Team!

Tonight's class cancelled (1 July)

I woke up with a shocking headache this morning, and it's not going away. The last thing I want at the moment is some loud samba, so I'm canceling tonight's class.

Sorry everyone!

Tips from Monobloco

A couple of good practice tips on the fundamentals from The Monobloco boys teaching some students in Glsagow.

listen for "the energy is in playing together, not simply a fast tempo"...

Instrument practice tomorrow

Tomorrow is the 3rd or 4th time that we try this: at 6.40pm, we start a dedicated instrument class. Again this week: tamborim.

From next week: advanced surdo!

After the kranski, before the pagode!

The only way a VUVUZELLA should be played.....

Futebol vs. Voetbal - if.

If, if, if we see BRA and NED get to the quarter-finals, it'd be a perfect opportunity to watch a game together somewhere, wouldn't it? And make noise.
Just suggesting.

Festa Junina in Brisbane!

The "Festa Junina" is the biggest and most popular festival in Brazil. It is also a great excuse for people to come together, dance, sing, eat and party in their special Brazilian way.

Now it is Brisbane!! Don't miss out!

Bring your Family and Friends!

When: 27/06/10 (Sunday) from 12.00pm to 6.00pm

Where: New Farm Park (click here)

Pre-Purchased Ticket: $5 (1 Free Drink)

At the Door: $5

Tickets can be pre-purchased at http://www.australiaconnection.com.au/- Suite 106, 303 Adelaide Street, Brisbane - Phone: 3166-8568

(From the June Festival website)

No gig this Saturday

Last week during the rehearsal I said there was a potential gig this Saturday at the Gold Coast. Unfortunately, we just don't have the time to rehearse for this with my friend Carlos who would have to come over from Melbourne.

However we are likely to do this next year - it's an annual event.

Cheers
Remko

Senegalese Sabar ensemble

The ancestors of Baterias? Admire the groove and the precision. And the beauty. And the non-djembeness.

Tamborim Basic Instruction

Remko, thanks for the tutorial tamborim class. I've picked up a few more tips and a better understanding of the samba rhythm. There's always something new to learn.

Things start to make sense now that we play REGULARLY with the cavaco and ....for the dancers. Gianna and her students bring the standard a notch higher. Very good arrangement and precise improvised dance choreograph . I quite enjoy the last rehearsal.

Be nice to Gianna , Remko. We want her and her students to dance with us for a long time.

Bateria Tom Maior 2009

Some inspiration for the coming thursday.

Experiment: instrument instruction

As I said yesterday, we're going to try to get a little bit more out of our weekly classes. I'm going to try to use the 20 minutes before the pagode to do dedicated instrument classes, starting next week 10 June at 6.40pm with a tamborim class.

To make this work, I'll need people attending to be there by 6.30pm to help unloading the instruments.

If this works well, I'll publish a schedule each month with the instrument classes for that month, so that you know when to come in early.

I realise this time is not suitable for everyone, however I think it's the only option at the moment. As I said, this is an experiment, so if not enough people can make it, or if it is just going to be too much for me (soft, I know), we may have to change this. But the idea is that I give people opportunity to really start working on the more difficult instruments, and that way we can lift the level of the samba school.

Comments welcome!

Rio

Secret Women's Business: GoMA

Follow up on Patty's post below with more Secret Women's Business

Art Gallery Jaunt - Brian's Angels

Here's a shot of the Angels dealing with Brian. Mikki and Maria were waiting patiently at the correct art gallery while we fooled around outside the wrong gallery!

Sunnybank State High School gig - CANCELLED

O well, it's not the best week, Sunnybank State High School has cancelled their whole Culture Snaps program this year as the kids, who actively should take part in the organisation, pretty much have done exactly nothing. So they cancelled the whole thing.

So this means, that for the first time in almost a year, we don't have a gig coming up in the next few weeks! Don't worry, they will come. I'm already talking about a possible one in the Gold Coast!

Enjoy the break!

Girls' Day Out

Next Saturday, 22nd May, some of us Samba Goddesses are having a girls' day out to see the exhibition "Hats: an anthology by Stephen Jones" at GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane). Join us for a fun day!

The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and one of the world’s foremost milliners, Stephen Jones. Exploring the fascinating world of millinery, the exhibition presents more than 250 hats and iconic headpieces from the V&A’s extensive collection and Jones’s own archive.

The plan is:
> Meet at GoMA entrance 11 am next Saturday 22nd.
> See the exhibition
> Maybe make a hat
> Have late lunch together afterwards at the cafe on-site

Admission is free.

Even if you are not a girl but would like to explore your feminimime side, you are welcome to come along. Just expect to be treated like a little brother. :)

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are coming, allow for the fact that traffic will be very heavy in South Brisbane next weekend, as Paniyiri Festival is on. You may want to use public transport.

Reds Last Game 2010

Notice how hard Gail and Patty want "to be seen" ?

More photos here

Meat!

Further to tonight's dinner can I recommend the following shirt:

Details for Saturday's gig @ SunCorp

I trust everyone had a great night tonight! So let's play with Fernando one more time tomorrow @ SunCorp! It's going to be a big one again, with at least 30,000 visitors!

• Where: SunCorp Stadium (Reds vs Wanckers)
• Timetable:
• 5.15pm I'll arrive with car & trailer, start unloading instruments
• 5.30pm you guys meet at boom gate, go to dress room
• 6.00pm - 7.00pm we play at North plaza. Some breaks in between 'sets'. 
• 7.15pm - ready to play in stadium
• 7.30pm - kick-off, play during 1st and 2nd half

• Dress code - use Reds shirts from last time, please wear black pants. I'll still have a few spares for those that weren't there last few times. At the end, you can keep your shirt.
• No car parking unfortunately except for me and the trailer. The Reds does not have the arrangement with the car park opposite the stadium like Roar, unfortunately.
• This time, no tickets available for guests, unfortunately. If anyone really needs one let me know though
• In case of rain we will seek shelter to protect instruments and fragile sambistas.
• In case of a win, we hang around until the team leaves the field.
• Rehearsals next few weeks will be free for all! Those people not playing on Saturday can buy me and other performers a beer ;-)

Security procedure - please read:

Because the organisation forgot to block off the seats, we'll play in the North East tunnel (well really in between the tunnel and the field. Because this is an emergency exit, please note the following:

1. The seats must stay in the formation provided. They CANNOT queue across the full width of the tunnel and must not hinder entry and exit for other suppliers.
2. They must stay OFF the grass. Once they are in the tunnel they cannot wander onto the grass at all.
3. All band members must stay with their instruments at all times. (From the Stadium: In the unlikely need to evacuate the venue the tunnel forms part of evacuation path so these need to be clear if in this mode. There will not be time to find the owner of musical equipment if left attended and obstacles of this nature can be deadly when thousands are trying to evacuate). Note from Remko: in case of an evacuation also grab your chair, I think!

Patty	Agogo
Will	Caixa
Denis	Caixa
Miki	Ganza
Sarah	Ganza
Remko	Repinique
Josh	Repinique
Darren	S1
Mike	S1
Brian	S2
Gail	S2
Fernando	S3
Warren	S3
Elwin	S3
Maria	Tamborim
Pri	Tamborim

Powerhouse gig Tuesday 18 May CANCELLED

I received a call from Dorian last night: negotiations with the Powerhouse and Brisbane City Council have been difficult and only yesterday Council indicated they just want a 'drum roll' during the presentation on Tuesday.

As I think it is ridiculous to get a full Samba School to the Powerhouse just to do a drum roll, and Dorian agrees, we have cancelled the Samba School appearance.

I am very disappointed, not only because we like playing there but also because this was to be Fernando's last performance. Fortunately we still play at Suncorp on Saturday! And of course there's the Churrasco tomorrow!

Fernando's farewell dinner!

Just confirming, everything has been booked for this Friday.
We start at 6pm.


Mundo Churrasco
Address: 63 Macgregor Tce, Bardon.

See you there!

Unlimited beautiful meat, $7.50 caipirinhas!

Xeque Balde vs Pandeiro (Nereu from Trio Mocoto)

Punjabi Palace

Finally we have a plan for Brisbane's best Indian. Anyone interest please respond. We will meet at the Polish Club at 5pm next Thursday 13th May before rehearsal. The booking will be for 5:30pm. We can car pool to the restaurant.

Darren

Unofficial Farewell Dinner No.1

Fernando's 'official' farewell dinner!

As you all know, the samba school will enter a tough period when Fernando leaves for Brazil late May. Fernando has been a very dedicated member of the samba school, playing pretty much each gig and most rehearsals. Besides that he also is a great friend of most people in the samba school.

So, I was not going to let him go without organising something special. And a couple of weeks ago, an opportunity presented itself when I received an email from a new Brazilian restaurant in Bardon. This is an authentic Brazilian BBQ 'Churrasco' restaurant, and they needed a small bateria to play during their opening last week. Which six of us did. Instead of payment, I negotiated a number of food vouchers, as I could not think of a better place to have Fernando's official farewell dinner!

When: Friday night 14 May, 7pm
Where: Mundo Churrasco, 63 Macgregor Tce, Bardon

Could you please let me know by email asap if you want to join this special event? If you want to bring someone, please let me know as well of course.

Fortunately, this won't be the last we've seen of Fernando: we got two more gigs later in May, at SunCorp the next day on the 15th and in the Power House on Tuesday 18 May. Our first gig without Fernando will be at Sunnybank State Highschool, Friday 28 May.

Pagode in a Vietnamese restaurant by Aussie Sambistas ?

I'm organizing a get together of the Primavera sambistas at a good Vietnamese restaurant , in Darra, for Fernando . The tentative plan is:

Next weekend on Sunday May 2nd @ 7:00PM
At KIM KHANH - B.Y.O. Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant
67 Cardiff Road DARRA - At the round about
tel. 3375 3014

Please let me know on thursday rehearsal of the number so I can do the booking.

If the condition is right, the owner may let us dine at the more private table upstairs and play Pagode to our heart content. ... Well, bring your musical instrument and play if we feel like it.

Fernando is on a mission to taste as much Chinese and Vietnamese food before heading home to Brazil. Please note: This is not a farewell party for Fernando, just pure lust for food. Remko will organize another official one later.

ABC Radio 612 interview with Reds' Coach

On the radio interview this afternoon, the Reds' coach Ewen McKenzie has mentioned how a bunch of drummers..."with real big drums" have incited the most vocal Qld rugby crowd. He compared last night atmosphere with the State of Origin. ..... Well played guys !. Wish I was there .

The interview was about building up a Reds culture and how the crowd is increasingly vocal and supportive to the team and its style of playing. ...... then I drove under the Inner City Bypass tunnel and couldn't hear what else he said about us with all the static on the AM radio ! :-{

[edit by Remko: here's a page on the ABC website with some of the interviews. I couldn't hear the reference above but you can clearly hear the drums in the background on some of the interviews]

Pandeiro vs Cavaco

Details for Friday's gig @ SunCorp

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my emails, we currently have 12 people confirmed, with maybe one or two more.  It's going to be a big one, with at least 30,000 visitors!

• Where: SunCorp Stadium (Reds vs Stormers)
• Timetable:
• 5.15pm I'll arrive with car & trailer, start unloading instruments
• 5.30pm you guys meet at boom gate, go to dress room
• 6.00pm - 7.00pm we play at one of the plazas - to be confirmed. Some breaks in between 'sets'. I have again requested NOT to play on both sides of the stadium
• 7.15pm - ready to play in stadium
• 7.30pm - kick-off, play during 1st and 2nd half

• Dress code - use Reds shirts from Saturday, please wear black pants. I'll have a few spares for those that weren't there last week. At the end, please take your shirt home for use in the next game
• No car parking unfortunately except for me and the trailer. The Reds does not have the arrangement with the car park opposite the stadium like Roar, unfortunately
• This time, no tickets available for guests, unfortunately. If anyone really needs one let me know though
• In case of rain we will seek shelter to protect instruments and fragile sambistas
• In case of a win, we hang around until the team leaves the field (I stuffed that up last time)
• Rehearsals next few weeks will be free for all! Those people not playing on Friday can buy me and other performers a beer ;-)

Remember - no rehearsal this Thursday 22 April!

I look forward to seeing you again this Friday!

Denis	Caixa
Remko	Repinique
Josh	Repinique
Darren	S1
Mike	S1
Elwin	S2
Helen	S2
Fernando	S3
Warren	S3
Cedric	S3
Miki	Shaker
Pri	Shaker/tamborim
Gail	Shaker
Art	Shaker/tamborim

Any questions, let me know!

Rehearsal this week 22 April cancelled

I am very sorry (again!) but because of an incredibly busy week, I think it's best to cancel this Thursday's rehearsal. 

• On Wednesday night, some of us have a small but important gig (only 6 players) 'for the benefit of all of us' - more about that 'benefit' very soon!
• On Friday night, we have another big Reds game at SunCorp (they expect over 30,000 visitors that night). As always, this will be a long night.

So, to avoid tiring myself too much and possibly a few of you as well, and because I don't want to neglect my family life too much either, I have made this decision. Don't worry, I'll still be doing plenty of free classes in the next couple of months!

Talking about Friday night, we still don't have enough people for this important gig, can I persuade anyone who has declined for that night to change their mind? Please?

To All Shekere Players, . . .

An interesting polyrhythmic arrangement for our shekere players to do solo acts in Maracatu rhythm ?



Amalgama is a Latin American percussion trio based in Brussels.

And .... an interesting clip from Michael Pluznick .

Reds Home Game - April 17th

More pictures here

Details for Saturday's gig @ SunCorp

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my emails, we currently have 13 people confirmed, with maybe a couple more. Will be a great vibe, I'm sure!

• Where: SunCorp Stadium (Reds vs Bulls)
• Timetable:
• 5.15pm I'll arrive with car & trailer, start unloading instruments
• 5.30pm you guys meet at boom gate, go to dress room for face painting
• 6.00pm - 7.00pm we play at Northern Plaza (Caxton Street end - this has changed). Some breaks in between 'sets'. I have requested NOT to play on both sides - too tiring
• 7.15pm - ready to play in stadium
• 7.30pm - kick-off, play during 1st and 2nd half

• Dress code - we'll get (new) Reds shirts, please wear black pants. This time we'll take the shirts home for use in next games
• No car parking unfortunately except for me and the trailer. The Reds does not have the arrangement with the car park opposite the stadium like Roar, unfortunately
• This time, no tickets available for guests, unfortunately. If anyone really needs one let me know though
• In case of rain we will seek shelter to protect instruments and fragile sambistas
• In case of a win, we hang around until the team leaves the field (I stuffed that up last time)
• Rehearsal this week and next week (15 and 22 April) will be free for all! Those people not playing on Saturday can buy me and other performers a beer ;-)

Erin	Caixa
Denis	Caixa
Remko	Repinique
Josh	Repinique
Darren	S1
Brian	S2
Fernando	S3
Will	S3
Warren	S3
Lynne	Shaker
Gail	Shaker
Claire	Tamborim
Pri	Tamborim

Some points that I feel I have to make, reluctantly:

• Of course, please be on time: 5.30pm sharp. Not 5.35pm, please plan ahead. As always we have to get in as a group because of security issues. 
• As you all know, no one in the samba school is required to play at gigs. If you do, fantastic, if not, that's really OK. I never put real pressure on people to play at a gig. However, once you have confirmed you play at a gig, I do expect you to be there. Of course this is because of the commitments we have as a group to the organiser, and to each other. Last minute cancellations certainly don't amuse me, and add to the level of stress during the gig, which makes it less enjoyable for everyone. Of course, legitimate reasons are OK.
• If you are playing at a gig (any gig), I expect you to be there for the full length of the gig, and not walk out in the middle of the event, unless agreed with me. Certainly not without discussing this with me. I feel such behaviour really lets the team down.

I look forward to playing again this Saturday, it has been too long already! And, there's more gigs coming up soon, as you know!

I will confirm who plays what instrument later this week by editing this post.

Any questions, let me know!

Heads up - upcoming gigs

Just a quick heads up about some exciting gigs in the next couple of months:

• Fri 30 April, 9pm - Queen Street Mall, to assist Dorian in her exciting Music Video Mash Up project and do the count down for the launch
• Tue 18 May, evening - Power house. Yes that's right, the Power house (turbine hall), home of our first ever gig and still one of the best places in Brisbane for us to perform. This will be for the awards ceremony for Dorian's project.
• Fri 28 May, evening - Sunnybank State Highschool, remember the great gig last year? Also Helen is teaching here, she joined us after seeing us last year!
• a couple more currently under negotiation, more info soon!

No need to confirm to me just yet, but maybe write it in your diary already!

No class tonight 8 April

Very very sorry, but I have been sick since Tuesday and, although I'm starting to get better, just not well enough for work or Samba tonight. Hope to see you next week!

Turma do Pagode

An interesting video clip from Turma do Pagode ( Sao Paulo, formed in 2006 ).

.

Upcoming gigs at SunCorp

Hi all

Following our success at Suncorp Stadium a few weeks ago we have been asked to play for the next 3 home games of the Reds!

The dates are:

• Saturday 17 April, 7.30pm
• Friday 23 April, 7.30pm
• Saturday 15 May, 7.30pm (this will be Fernando's last gig!!!!!!)

The times above are kick off times, so we would be playing some time before that.

Could you please let me know by email if you'd like to play on any/all of these? I hope to have all of you there, as always!

Cheers
Remko

PS: if we can do all gigs we'll have free rehearsals for over a month!

Samba World Percussion

Darren and myself are heading up to Ziggy's tomorrow morning.

http://www.sambaworldpercussion.com/index.html

If anyone wants anything please let us know and we can pick it up for you while we are there.

Cheers

Warren

Outstanding!

To everyone who played tamborim last night:

You all sounded terrific!

I felt like a proud Mama listening to all of you do such an amazing job at the schmeckedy-schmecking.

Keep up the good work!

No rehearsal next week, but....

I will be in Melbourne next week so will have to cancel next week's class (1 April), sorry about that. The Polish Club will be busy with Easter preparations so they might have cancelled us anyway.

However, tonight is a special night, as it's Eric's last time before he moves to the US. Let's have a few beers and a very special pagode, and sing lots of songs with the bateria.

Hope to see you tonight!

Foam

I bought a big box to carry all snares. To protect them, I'll need some foam, about 2-4 cm thick.
Does anyone have some spare foam around?

ABRASSO

Renata has asked me to tell everyone, the new Brasilian Association is holding an official launch cocktail party on Saturday, March 27, from 5pm to 8pm at the Sebel, corner of Charlotte and Ann Street. There will be music, capoeira etc. Forms attached.

Tribal?

OK you have to watch this one till the end. Hermeto Pascoal, from Brazil. Next rehearsal will be in my pool.

Parking at the Polish Club

Over the past few weeks, a number of times the second car park at the Polish Club was closed, causing all kind of issues. My understanding is that this is not intentional, and that the system has been malfunctioning.

I have written a letter to the president of the Polish Club asking for their help in resolving this urgently, in the meantime please could I ask you for your patience?

Staff at the Polish Club have access to a remote control, so they can open the barrier if necessary. It is always possible to drive out as this is sensor driven. So, if you are stuck for parking when you arrive, can I suggest you just let them know to open the gate? I know this is inconvenient, and hope this situation will be resolved asap. Thanks!

Thanks for today!

Thank you everyone for today, I think we did pretty well, especially given we didn't have any snare players. I'm not sure about you, but I was absolutely exhausted after all that, pretty much full on from 2pm till past 6pm.

I didn't know we were going to be in such a small area, I had understood we would have all the area between the stands and the end of the field. Hope it didn't feel to claustrophobic for you. And the rain in the second half only got us a little bit wet, thanks for persisting and continuing to play.

I loved the fantastic feedback from the audience, very positive! The radio calls were sometimes hard to follow, but at the end it took the burden away from me to decide when (not) to play.

I'll have a debrief with the event organisers later this week, I'll let you know the outcome. In the meantime, please let me know any comments you have.

Thanks very much again!

Details for Sunday's gig @ SunCorp

• What to wear: white pants. We will get Reds t-shirts
• Be there: 2.25pm sharp at the Castlemain Street boomgate. It is essential you are on time, as this is when we hand out the necessary wristbands etc.
• Free tickets: email me asap if you'd like to bring a guest
• What we'll do: 3-4pm we'll play at the South plaza (with breaks). 4.30pm till 6pm we'll play during the game. We probably switch sides after half-time.
• Parking - Reds doesn't have a deal with Inform, like Roar, so unfortunately no parking possible.

Instruments

Remko - Repinique

Josh - Repinique

Angus - 1st surdo

Darren - 1st surdo

Elwin - 2nd surdo

Melanie - 2nd surdo

Fernando - 3rd surdo

Warren - 3rd surdo

Brian - 3rd surdo

Pri - tamborim

Maria - tamborim

Eric - tamborim

Miki - Ganza

Gail - Ganza

Lynne - Ganza

Patty - Ganza

After football .... there's rugby!

Following our success with Brisbane Roar, we have been approached by the Reds (Rugby Union) to support them this Sunday afternoon 14 March, at SunCorp stadium! 

It's going to be different from the Roar, and we won't play in the stands but on the field. It's an experiment that I'm keen to try out, and I hope so are you! This is being organised by an event bureau so I'm very keen to show off what we can do!

We would need to be there around 2.30pm. We'd play before and during the game, which finishes at 6pm.

Please let me know ASAP if you're interested by email! 

A good session

Some feedback here: I thought there was a lot to like about last night's practice. I liked learning the beats around the table. I liked that we did 6/8. It's one of my favourite rhythms anyway, but also it's good to have a change from straight samba. I liked that there were opportunities to stop and really work over a section slowly when there was a glitch. That's how we're going to improve our technique.

Generally, I thought we had a good balance of playing and learning. A good night!

Chekere playing

Hi sambistas,
Thought some might appreciate the chekere playing on the jazz guitarist Grant Green's album "The Latin Bit". There is a dedicated chekere player on 6 of the 9 tracks (Carvin Masseaux).

Here is the first track, Mambo Inn. At about 0:50 the chekere holds down this fast triplet roll for the majority of the rest of tune! The dude must have pretty sore wrists.




I doubt he could do it while doing the Brisamba chekere dance though.

Hi all,

Long time no blog, long time no Polish beer and.... bloody long time no bateria!!
Anyway, an opportunity to see you guys again, so feel free to drop by at any time!!

The address is 7 Minno St in Chapel Hill! And NO GIFT POLICY (we move too often, unsustainable...)

Cheers
Cedric, Stephanie and the kids...

New Australian-Brazil Association - Qld Branch

Should we, as a Samba School, do something big with the new Queensland Australian-Brazil Association ( ABrAsso ) to mark its first year anniversary in 2011 ? Like a Carnival Parade or Brazilian Film Festival .

Below is an email message from Priscilla regarding the New Queensland Australian -Brazil Association:

" . . .Hi guys, How are things going?

Yes, I have disappeared but it is because Josh had a knee surgery and has been walking on crutches. Hopefully next week we will be able to go back to our beloved samba school!

Anyway, this is our new Brazilian Association, Abrasso. I hope we can have you and all Brisamba members as part of our team!

Is it possible to upload this to the Brisamba blog so everyone else can see the message? I wish I could email people individually, but do not have email addresses. :-( .

Maracatu Estrela Brilhante 2010 in Recife

From Batuque Brasileiro's blog .

Thank you

Just a quick thank you to everyone who helped pack tonight after rehearsal - it was a world record and I was actually home just after 10pm for a change!

It looks like the packing instructions on the trailer door work! So once I finished packing up the PA inside, everything was packed! And while I hooked up the trailer (with excellent help from Warren, Darren & Nicki) Brian switched off all the lights in the hall!

Thanks everyone, not everyone knows I also spend about 30 minutes setting up before the rehearsal so I'm pleased when I can leave that quickly too!

Another Saint Mary McKillop's Miracle ?

. . . . More miracles here !

Must watch - Tijuca Comissão de Frente

As some of you know, the Comissão de Frente is the head of a carnaval parade for a samba school, and often there's acrobatics and theatre involved. Well, Tijuca, this year's winners, thought it was time for some magic.

Have a look, and think of it next time you're getting dressed for the day!

Surdo levels

I thought some people might benefit from some 'goals' for various instruments. Here's a first attempt to document the levels for surdo players. Use it to set goals for yourself, or to plan where you want to be X months from now. Note this is not intended as a 'must achieve', the bateria can do with all levels, e.g. there's nothing wrong with someone who stays a 'level 1' surdo player and is able to play a strong 2nd surdo!

Here they are:

• Level 1 - able to maintain a strong rhythm on 1st or 2nd surdo, with little slowing down or speeding up
• Level 2 - able to confidently play the intro of a samba on 1st or 3rd surdo, as well as the most common breaks
• Level 3 - able to confidently play the common 3rd surdo rhythms
• Level 4 - able to play surdo solo, playing both 1st and 2nd surdo patterns, as used at the start of many sambas when there is just surdo, cavaquinho, and vocals
• Level 5 - able to play 3rd surdo improvisations that 'fit' within the context of the song

Each level implies complete mastery of the previous levels.

Comments please - does this help? Are the levels reasonable? If enough people like this I'll do the same for the other instruments!

Mangueira 2010

Surdo Choreography

Remko, Can we - all surdo players - practice the choreography similar to the videoclip linked below ?

Olodum
Olodum Alternative

It shows fearless commitment and dedication to the bloco. Will send shiver to the Roar's opponent.

Maracatu Voodooo Dance

Witch-doctor Brian trying to cure Maracatu possessed sambistas.

Doctor, doctor...

I need a maracatu fix. Gettin' twitchy, here. Haven't seen any swishy skirts or heard any shishy xeqeres in a long long time. How about it? :)